Ore-separator



2 Sheets-Sheet 1.

(No Model.)

J. H. WILHELM.

- ORE SBPARATOR. No. 256,183.

Patented Apr. 11, 1882.

N. PErEns. PhokwLilhnmph-n Washington. D. c.

2 Sheets-Sheet 2. J. H. WILHELM.

ORE SBPABATOR.

Patented Apr. 11, 1882.

2 I I i k x I H uunnm mu ml.

and equal in size.

UNITED STATES ATENT FFICE.

JOHN H. WVILHELMpOF DENVER, COLORADO.

ORE-SEPARATOR.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 256,183, dated. April11, 1882.

Application filed October #14, 1881. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that 1, JOHN H. WILHELM, of

Denver, in the county of Arapahoe and State of Colorado, have inventedcertain new and useful Improvements in Ore-Separators; and 1 do herebydeclare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of theinvention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which itpertains to make and use the same.

My invention relates to that class of separators the operation of whichis based upon the fundamental principle of gravitatiomand which aredesigned to be employed in the extraction of mineral from theaurit'erous debris of placer-mines,and from all classes of pulver izedtree-milling ores.

The operation of separating mineral upon the gravity principle fromdebris or ore would be a comparatively simple one if all the particlesthereof were independent of each other In practice, however, thiscondition of affairs is never found, for the different particles notonly vary in size, but also they are often bound together in smallmasses, which must be disintegrated before the particles of mineralcontained in them can be eliminated and saved; and inasmuch as particleshaving different atomic densities, but which are equal in mass-weight,fall together and arrange themselves in the same'strata, it must beapparent that an apparatus designed to automatically effect thestratification of debris or ore according to the atomic density of theconstituent particles thereof must be adapted both to so agitate andbreak it up that ev- 'ery particle will be free to fall independent ofall other conditions than its density, and to mechanically stratifysuchparticles according to their density and without regard to theirmass-weight. it therefore follows that a device for extracting mineraldesigned to operate on this principle. and to perform all necessarymanipulations automatically mustpartake both of the characteristics of aseparator and of a concentrator.

The object of the present invention, which embodies features of both ofthe above-named devices, is to provide an apparatus which shall combinesimplicity of construction, ease and efficiency of operation, anddurability in use with an adaptability to be successfully andeconomically operated with or without the aids of water, mercury, steam,or such other agen' cies as changing circumstances and conditions maydemand, and which shall havea capacity for the treatment ofa largequantity of debris or ore per diem.

With these ends in View my invention consists in the combinatiomwith acircular chamber, of a conveyer located within said chamber andconsisting of a spirally-coiled perforated plate.

My invention further consists in the combination, .with a circularchamber, of a cage of rods extending horizontally through it, and aconveyer winding spirally through the chamber and provided withperforations adapted to receive the rods of the cage and hold them inposition.

My invention further consists in the combination, with a circularchamber, of a conveyer consisting in a flat metallic plate coiled toform a conical structure within the chamber.

My invention further consists in the combination, with a circularchamber consisting of two conical shells, of a mineral-receptacle 10- cated between said shells, and a screen adapted to isolate the circularchamber from the mineral-receptacle, and consisting in a perforatedconcaved annular plate provided with elongated slots extending from itscentral portion toward each edge.

My invention further consists in the combination, with a circularchamber consisting of two conical shells, of a concaved screen joiningsaid shells and aseries of horizontal dashers located just over it.

My invention further consists in the combination, with a circularchamber consisting of two conical shells, of a mineral-receptaclelocated between said shells, an annular plate dividing the saidreceptacle into two chambers, and a screen consisting of a perforatedannular plate provided with elongated slots and adapted to isolate themineral-receptacle and circular chamber, and elevators consisting ofplates secured to the outer peripheral face of the said screen.

My invention further consists in the combination, with amineral-receptacle, of a plate dividing it into two' chambers, conicalpassages inserted in said plate and adapted to admit mineral and debrisfrom the apparatus into the mineral-receptt-icle and to return debrisonly into the apparatus, and an inclined plate located below saidpassages.

My invention further consists in the combination, with amineral-receptacle, of an annular plate secured to one wall of the saidreceptacle and extending in downward inclination to the opposite wallthereof.

My invention further consists in the combination, with amineral-receptacle, of an annular plate secured to one wall of the saidreceptacle and extending in downward inclination to the opposite wallthereof, and alternating perforated flanges and stirrers secured to theunder face of said plate. M

My invention further consists in the combination, with a circularchamber consisting of two conical shells, of a water-chamber locatedadjacent to one of said shells.

My invention further consists in the combination, with a circularchamber consisting of two conical shells, of a water-conduit consistingof a pipe coiled into the form of a cone, the base of which is placedadjacent to one of the shells of the said chamber.

My invention further consists in the combination, with semicircularbearings provided with horizontal arms, of brackets to receive thelatter, secured to the frame-work in which the apparatus is mounted, ashaftjournaled in the outer ends ofthesaidarms, and an eccentric andstraps, or the equivalentthereof, connecting said shaft and brackets.

My invention further consists in certain detailsofconstruction andcombinations of parts, as will hereinafter be more fully described, andpointed out in the claims.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure l is a vertical section of anore-separator constructed in accordance with my invention. Fig. 2 isasectional view taken through line X X of Fig. l and looking toward themouth of the apparatus, the pipes V shown in this figure beinginelevation, with the exception of two, which are represented in section.Fig. 3 is a plan view. Fig. 4 is a view in end elevation; and Figs. 5and 6 show detached views of the brackets in which the horizontal armsof the bearings are supported.

A andB represent truncated cones, the bases of which are adjacent toeach other, the receiver thereof being formed by the cone 0, locatedwithin and projecting from the smaller end of the cone A.

A mineral-receptacle, D, situated between the cones A and B, is formedby the appropriation of a portion of the base of the cone A, and by anangular chamber formed by the plates E and F, bolted together and to theflanged bases of the said cones.

The first gradation or sizing of the debris or ore is effected by a cageof rods, which extends horizontally through the center of the apparatusfrom a point within the receiver G to about midway of the length of thecone B,

and which is adapted to retain only the largest bowlders associated withthe material being treated. The forward ends of the rods Groomposing thesaid cage are attached to the inner peripheral face of the receiver 0,while their central and rear portions are inserted in perforations Hformed at or near the center of the spirally-coiled plate constitutingthe conveyer I, the office of which is twofold in this capacity, for itnot only sustains the said rods in their proper relative positions, butalso performs the function of a vehicle in transporting the bowldersthrough the said cage andin discharging them upon the plane of the coneB. After reaching this point the transit of the howlders through theapparatus is completed without the action of the conveyer, which carriesthem to the discharge end of the cone B, where they are ejected from themachine by the ejector J; but, if desired, the rods may be converged andthe cage extended to the said discharge end of the cone B. The saidejector J is cut away on its lower face, as shown at w", the object ofthis configuration being to adapt the ejector to exercise a screeningfunction as it lifts the debris over the ledge J. The said conveyer Iconsists of a flat metallic plate coiled to form a cone-shapedstructure, having a cylindrical aperture, K, extending axially throughit. It is sustained in positionwith its base adjacent to the base of thereceiver 0 by attachment to the water-conduit and to the innerperipheral faces of the cones A and B, from which latter it should beslightly elevated to permit the gravitation ofall of the finer particlesof debris or ore toward the mineral-receptacle D, and to allow the wateror other fluid aid to the process ofthe1nachinc,when such auxiliaryagencies are used, to flow toward the chamber L. This result may beeffected by mounting the conveyer in low stools or supports secured to'the inner faces of the cones, or by cutting sections of its edge away,leaving occasional flange-like projections adapted to be bolted directlythereto. As an additional feature of construction, permitting the freecirculation of water through the apparatus, the conveyer is providedwith numerous small perforations, M, which extend a short distance aboveits water-mark. In the drawings the whole width of the conveyer-pla-teis shown as being perforated, and although such a construction is notnecessary, in the event of the employment of steam it will perhapseffectuate its more perfect distribution throughout the machine, andthus exercise a salutary influence over its operation.

, The second gradation of the debris or ore is effected by the screen N,which consists of an annular concaved plate arranged to isolate themineral-receptacle D from the chamber in which the other devicesdirectly connected with the gradation of the debris are located. Thesaid screen is provided with numerous perforations, 0, adapted in sizeto prevent the coarser gravel with which the mineral is asso- ICO IIO

chamber P next below. It is also provided with several elongated slots,Q, which extend from its concaved center toward each edge, and which aredesigned to admit to the chamber nuggets of mineral too large to passthrough the perforations 0. These slots, however, are not large enoughto allow the passage through them of gravel o'r massed debris.

Broad dashers B, located at right angles to and just above the screen,are situated in the chamber formed between it and the cage of rods. Thefunction of these dashers is to a gitate the water and debris or ore,and to force the finer and denser particles thereof through the screen.In instance of the use of an amal gamator they will be foundparticularly efficient in bringing every particle of mineral in contactwith it.

Small elevators S, secured to the outer face of the periphery of thescreen N, are designed to restore to the chamber above it all of thegravel and other similarly light particles of debris which fall throughthe numerous perforations, O, of the said screen and into themineral-receptacle. These elevators are equal in length to the length ofthe slots Q, with the rear walls of which they coincide. In width theyshould be broad enough to extend sufficiently far into the chamber P andits contents to disengage the light upper strata of gravel from theunderlying strata of mineral without disturbing the latter. As theapparatus revolves in the direction of the arrow to the surface materialgathered by the said elevators will pack up in front of them and risethrough the slots Q into the chamber above the screen N, and thence becarried by the conveyer I up the plane of the cone I3 and dischargedfrom the smaller end thereof.

The lower wall of the chamber P consists of a concaved plate,T,concentric with the screen N. It is imperforate, save only at pointsnear its center, where it is provided with holes U, adapted to receivethe smaller ends of a series of conical pipes, V, tangentially inclinedto its periphery, and projecting d'ownwardlyinto the mineral-chamber D,one function of the said passages being to continually agitate thecontents ofthe said chamber. Inclined or conical rims X, located withinthe conical passages U, are designed by producing a strong downwardcurrentof the water todraw the iich underlying strata in the chamber Pinto the chamber D, constituting the mineral-receptacle proper.Irrespective of this function, however, these rims do valuable work inprevent ing the escape of mineral from its final repository by forming,in conjunction with the conical passages V, pockets Y, into which any ofthe particles of mineral associated with the gravelly portions of thedebris or ore being ejected from the said chamberthrough the said rimsgravitate, and hence descend into the lower portion of the chamber'D;but by far the most efficient safeguard against the escape the debriswithin of mineral from this chamber is formed by the inclined plate Z,which is concentric with the screen N and plate T, and which has itsele-v vated end secured to the cone A. Its free end extends in downwardinclination nearly to the opposite wall of the chamber, leaving only asmall passage-way to the apartment beneath it, from which compartivelylittle mineral escapes. In order, however, to eject any debris or orewhich may so far elude the process of the apparatus as to reach this lowpoint, ejecting devices consisting of alternate perforated flanges B andstirrers C are secured to the under face of the plate Z. The flanges Bare of triangular form, and secured and so arranged with reference tothe said plate that they form inclined planes adapted to elevate thedebris over the edge of ti ilate Z, and thus bring fiuence of theconical passages V, one oi'h I f which is, as before described, togather thesurface material which has gravitated into themineral-receptacle and return it to the chamber P,'t'rom which it islifted into the chamber within which are arranged the dashers R by theelevators S. The object of providing these'flanges with perforations isto allow the water in the chamber D to pass them without being greatlyagitated thereby, th us acceleratingthe subsidence of the float-gold andscum ore which itholdsin suspen- 'sion.

The stirrers C are designed to prevent the debris from packing in themineral-chamber. They also act in concert with the flanges B in aidingthem-toeffect the final gravitation or separation of mineral from thedebris, as just above described. the mineral is withdrawn from theapparatus may be of any suitable construction, and, if circumstancesrender it necessary, it may be provided with a lock. In the drawingsitis shown as being located at the lowest point of themineral-receptacle, and as consisting of a disk, D, held in position bya set-screw, E, working in a removable plate, F, the opposite ends ofwhich are adapted to be received in slots G formed in the depending lugsH.

Having thus described the differentdevices by means of which the debrisor oreis graded or sized and those by which its mineral is eliminated, Iwill now turn to the consideration of those devices which are designedwith especial reference to the employment of water, steam, mercury, orother aids to the operation of my improved apparatus.

It is here proper to observe that although my apparatus is eminentlyadapted to be used in prosecuting the strictly dry process, granting, ofcourse, that the material treatedisperfectly free from moisture, Iprefer to employ water when it can be obtained, for the reason that theparticles of mineral which tenaciously adhere to the debris can bemorereadily separated therefrom by the aid of water than without it. The wetprocess has not,however much more preferable, always been practica- Thedoor through which ble on account of the great quantity of waterrequired to carry it on. Again, when the watersupply is amply abundant,it is seldom avai1 able in working quantities, unless stored inexpensive reservoirs, excepting during the wet. season. 'In surmountingthese difficulties I have perfected a plan of making a small quantity ofwater suffice for the treatment of a large quantity of material. Itconsists in usingthe same water over and over, supplying to it only suchsmall quantities as are needed to compensate for thatwhich is absorbedand carried away by the debris. In this way I am not only enabled toemploy the wet process at a comparatively light expense for water, butin view of the small quantity used I can readily heat it, and thusincrease the efficiency of the machine and continue its operation duringthe greater part of the winter season. Aside from these importantconsiderations, there is yet another, in that by avoiding any directdischarge of water from the machine I save the scum and float mineral,which generally eludes the processes of ordinary ore -separatingapparatus, as it requires in being saved not only special devicestherefor, but also more than ordinary time for its subsidence.

The three most prominent elements in my water system consist of awater-chamber, L, a water-conduit, I, and a supply-pipe, J.

The water-chamber aforesaid is formed by a screen, K, which consists ofa perforated annular plate, and which connects the inner end ofthe cone0 with the cone A. To. give the greatest possible protection to the saidscreen, it is desirable to have the extreme inner end of the cone Gextend beyond it for a suitable distance. Dashers L, secured to andatright angles with the screen, operate when the apparatus is revolvedto create a channel in the debris, and thus allow the water to flowfreely through it toward the screen, and also to prevent the latter frombecoming clogged.

The water-conduit I, consisting of a hollow metallic pipe coiled, likethe conveyer I,in an opposite direction from that in which the apparatns is rotated, extends rearward from thewater-chamber, into whichone end is insei ted, to any desirable point within the cones, the samebeing tixed by particular circumstances. In the accompanying drawings itis shown as extending very nearly to the discharge end of the apparatus,where it is arranged to project a stream of wateronto theascending planeof the coneB. Thiscurrentofwaterwillmeetandoppose the debris beingelevat ed by the oonveyer I, and will wash the same back to the screenN. The Water-chamber L, being located below the water-line of theapparatus, is kept constantly full, so that the conduit will take up anew supply from the chamber and discharge it, as described, once inevery complete revolution of the'machiue,th us repeatedly reusing thewater. Again, this stream of water being projected from the rear end ofthe conduitwithconsiderable force will give additional impulse to therotary water-current produced by the motion of the apparatus.

The annular ledge S, in which the ejector J is mounted, is located verynear the smaller end of the cone B, and fulfills the twofold function ofpreventing water from splashing out of the apparatus and of retainingtherein the finer portion of the debris until an opportunity has beengiven to any particles of mineral contained in it of gravitating back tothe screen N.

The conduit exercises an important function in saving float-gold, inthat by slightly depressing the forward end of the apgaratus suchfloating mineral will readily find its way into the water-chamber L,when it will be taken up by the conduit and carried rearward anddischarged into the machine, and a portion of it"at least precipitatedinto the mineral-receptacle. If the mineral is especially difficult tosave, the conduit should be, arranged to discharge tlxe water directlyupon the screen N, thus projecting the mineral into the chamber D withconsiderable force. In this last-mentioned position of the conduit theaction of the water in cleansing the mineral-receptacle of surfacematerial will be particularly valuable in treating many kinds of debrisand ore.

In view of the impulse given to the circulation of the water by theconduit, it will greatly favor the amalgamating process by bringingallof the lighter particles of mineral, and pai ticularly float-gold andscum ore, in contact with the mercury when the latter is used. The saidconduit may be sustained in position in any desired manner. In thedrawings it is represented as encircling the cage of rods.

The construction within described may be simplified by dispensing withthe screen L where the size of the machine permits a sufficient surfaceon the end of the conduit adjacentto the water-chamber to be perforatedand lie in the water above the debris, so as to collect and conduct tothe rear of the apparatus comparatively clean water. In this case ascreen should inclose the extreme end of the conduit. Still more radicalchanges may be effected by providing the conveyor itself with a closedspiral chamber adapted to perform all of the functions of the conduit.

Water in snfticient quantities to com pensate for that absorbed and lostin the debris is supplied to the apparatus through the perforated pipeJ, the outer end of which is secured to a fixed support locatedatasuitable point without the cones. Its inner end, which is projected toany desired distance into the aperture K, formed, as before described,in the center of the conveyer-spiral, is supported inthe ring 0,fastened to or made integral with the rod, P secured to the conveyer, orto any other point within the apparatus. The outer end of the said pipeis connected to the water-reservoirQ by a suitable conduit, in which astopcock, It, regulating the amount of water supplied to the pipe J, islocated.

When the apparatus is adapted to have a cured to the frame-work of themachine.

horizontal as well as a rotary movement imparted to it the outer end ofthe perforated pipe should be supported by devices fastened to some partof the machine which moves horizontally only,and, further,the said pipeshould be connected with the reservoir Q by a flexible conduit, T, asshown in Figs. 1 and at of thedrawings.

The pipe J is adapted to be used not only for the introduction of waterinto the apparatus, but to introduce steam thereinto also. When used forthe latter purpose'its conduit should be detached from theWater-reserwiir and connected to a generator of steam. The pipe Jfalsosuffers some slight variation in form in changing from one of itstwofold uses to the other. If employed to supply water to the apparatus,its perforations should be confined chiefly to its rear. end, while onthe other hand, if it is to serve as a conduit for steam, its lower faceshould be pierced throughout its entire length.

The smaller ends of the cones A and B are encircled by guide-rings U,which have bearings in deeply-grooved rollers V,journaled at suitablepoints in the semicircular bearings \V.

Annular flanges X, secured to the extreme ends of both cones A and B,serve to guard the bearings W and prevent debris from falling into andclogging them.

Rotary motion is imparted to the apparatus through a pinion, Y, meshingwith a pinion,

Z, encircling the mineral-chamber. The pinion Y is mounted upon a shaft,A journaled in the extreme ends of the horizontal arms B of the bearingsW. Motion may be imparted to the said shaft through handles 0 or it maybe actuated by power transmitted to it from any suitable motor.

In order to augment the effectiveness of the machine, and to aid inparticular its action where the strictly dry process is being employed,and when the character of the mineral or debris, or both, renders theirseparation extremel y difficult, I provide each machine with devicesadapted to impart to it a horizontal movement in addition to its rotarymotion, and to be used or notas circumstances may dietate. The devicesconsist in eccentrics D, attached to the shaft A in straps E and inbrackets F provided with rollers G and se The horizontal arms B of thebearings W are received within and rest upon the rollers of the saidbrackets, which brackets are also provided with projecting pins Hadapted to be engaged with the forward ends of the eccentric-straps EWhen these connections are effected and the shaft A is actuated thecones will not only be revolved in their bearings,but also movedhorizontally by reason of the reciprocation of the latter in thebrackets F caused by the rigid connection between them and theeccentrics. The value of this horizontal movement lies in the fact thatbyjarring the cones it accelerates the subsidence and stratification ofthe debris or ore within them, and by thus enabling the machine to beactuated more rapidly increases its facility for treating material,which is, on account of the comparatively small amount of mineralcontained in a cubic yard of the debris, a very important feature of myapparatus.

The pivotal arms 1 only one of which is shown in the drawings, aredesigned to support the bearings W in the rotary as well as in thehorizontal movement of the cones. They may be attached to thecross-pieces J as shown, and play in the lower faces of the saidbearings, or, instead, they may be attached to the same and play in thecross-pieces. The former method is the more favorable to transportation; but the latter is preferable, for after the machine is set upthe said arms can be more readily oiled than if attached to the bearings.

As a substitute for the arms, a cross-beam, K and a roller, L (indicatedin the drawings by dottedlines,) may be employed. Either of 0 thesedevices may be resorted to when the bearings, by reason of great weightwithin the cones, require additional support.

Inasmuch as the description of my improved separator has been fullyinterspersed with its modus operand 1 an exposition thereof will not benecessary, save only to remark that when the machine is being operatedthe inflow from the perforated supply-pipe should be sufficient tosustain the water at a level several inches above the level of thematerial being treated. lf mercury is employed, it may be thrown intothe mouth of the cylinder, or it may be introduced thereinto through thewatersupply pipe J, or one of similar construction.

The peculiar adaptation of the apparatus to the successful prosecutionof the gravity. process by automatic mechanism is clearly apparent fromthe drawings.

The devices for grading the debris and for immediately discharging thelarger portions thereof from the cones greatly facilitate the operationof subjecting the finer and gold-containing portions to repeatedagitation.

The converging inclined planes of the cones A and B, the concavcd formof the screen N and the plate T, and the position of themineralreceptacle D and the character of the devices inclosed in it areall particularly adapted to save every particle of mineral. The currentfrom the rear end of the water-conduit, which meets and opposes the massof debris ascending toward the discharge end of the cylinder, will alsosave any mineral that tends to escape.

The relative disposition of the dashers also deserves attention. Theirparticular function is to throw up the debris and ore to obtain the mostperfect stratifications ofit, according to thedensity ofits particles,thatis possible. The dashers also, by disturbingthe debris, operate tofacilitate thepercolation of water through it. In order to obtain thebest results they are sufficiently separated to insure an intervalbetween their successive actions long enough to permit thedbris tosubside after being thrown up by one dasher before it is disturbed bythe one next behind it.

The machines should'be rota-ted as rapidly as consistent with theireffective operation in saving mineral, which will depend to a greatdegree upon the character of the material being treated.

The machine may be constructed of cast or of sheet iron, or bothcombined but I prefer, especially for the devices in themineral-receptacle, malleable cast-iron. 'When chemicals are usedthatareliableto corrode the iron those parts of themachine which areexposed to such corrosive action may be made of glass or of othersuitable material.

Aside from those changes which must be allowed for to meet therequirements caused by the oscillation of the ordinary practicalconditions, there are many other changes which will be often necessaryto adapt the machine to treat different kinds of debris or ore. If thecharacter thereof renders the elimination of its mineral easy, and watercan be obtained, the devices in the mineral-receptacle can be for themost part dispensed with. On the other hand, if the debris is in a veryfinely comminuted state, the cage of rods and the screen N will beunneccessary.

In machines designed particularly for use in placer-mining districts,where nuggets of mineral occur in the debris too large to pass throughthe elongated apertures in the screen N, the latter should be providedwith suitable doors for the withdrawal of the same. In such cases, also,the location above the screen N of an inclined plate similar to theplate Z will give-additional security against the escape of mineral.

Again, I do notwish toconfine myself to any particular construction ofconical passages or rims, or to any one method of securing themtogether, as I consider any structure having essentially the same formor characteristics as that shown in the drawings as falling within myinvention. I would therefore have it understood that I do not limitmyself to the exact construction shown and described, but hold myself atliberty to make such slight changes and alterations as fairly fallwithin the spirit and scope of my invention.

I do not claim in this application the combination of two cylinderswhose inclined planes converge to form a central orinterposed chamber;nor do I claim broadly the combination, with two conical shells, ofdashers arranged within said shells. Thesefeatures of construction,together with many details of form and arrangement, are embodied in aseparate application filed by me June 24, 1881. The latter covers aseparator constructed and operated upon substantially the same plan asthe hereinbefore-described machine. I therefore wish to be understood asretaining to myself the exclusive right to all parts shown, but notclaimed in the said application filed June 24-, 1881, but claimed in thepresent application.

Having fully described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire tosecure by Letters Patent, is-

1. In a mineral-separator, the combination, with a circular chamber, ofa cage of rods extending horizontally through it, and aconveyer windingspirally through the chamber and pr0- vided with perforations adapted toreceive the rods of the cage and hold them in position, substantially asset forth.

In a mineral-separator, the combination, with acircularchambcrconsisting of two conical shells, of a conveyer consisting of a flatmetallic plate coiled to form a conical structure, which is placed withits base adjacent to one of said shells, substantially as set forth.

3. In a mineral-separator, the combination, with a circnlarchamberconsisting of two conical shells, of a conveyer consisting of aperforated metallic plate coiled to form a conical structure, having anopen cylindrical aperture extending axially throughit, said structurebeing placed with its base adjacent to one of said shells, substantiallyas set forth.

4. In a mineral-separator, the combination, with a circular chamberconsisting of two conical shells, of a mineral-receptacle locatedbetween said shells, and a screen adapted to isolate the circularchamber from the mineral-receptacle, and consisting in a perforatedconcaved annular plate provided with elongated slots extending from itscentral portion toward each edge, substantially as set forth.

5. In a mineral-separator, the combination, with a circular chamberconsisting of two conical shells, of'a concaved screen joining saidshells and a series of horizontal dashers located within the screen,substantially as set forth.

6. In a mineral-separator, the combination, with a circular chamberconsisting of two conical shells, of a mineral-receptacle locatedbetween said shells, an annular plate dividing the said receptacle intotwo chambers, a screen consisting of a perforated annular plate providedwith elongated slots and adapted to isolate the mineral receptacle andcircular chamber, and elevators consisting of plates secured to theouter peripheral face of the said screen, substantially as set forth.

7. In a mineral-separator, the combination, with a mineral-receptacle,of a plate dividing it into two chambers, conical pipes inserted in saidplate and adapted to admit mineral and debris from the apparatus intothe mineral-receptacle and to return debris only into the apparatus, andan inclined plate located below said cones, substantially as set forth.

8. In a mineral-separator, the combination, with a mineral-receptacle,of an annular plate secured to one wall of the said receptacle andextending in downward inclination toward the opposite wall thereof,substantially as set forth.

9. In a mineral-separator, the combination,

ICC

with a mineral-receptacle, of an annular plate secured to one wall ofthe said receptacle and extendingin downward inclination toward theopposite wall thereof, and a series of flanges secured to the under faceof said stantially as set forth.

10. In a mineral-separator, the combination, with a mineral-receptacle,of an annular plate secured to one wall of the said receptacle andextending in downward inclination toward the opposite wall thereof, andalternating perforated flanges and stirrers secured to the underface ofsaidplate, substantially as set forth.

11. In a mineral separator, the combination, with a circular chamberconsisting of two conical shells, of a water-chamber located adjacent Vto one of said shells, substantially as set forth.

12. In a mineral-separator, the combination, with two cones having theirbases joined together, of a receiving-cone located within the smallerend of one of the said cones, and a screen adapted to form awater-chamber with the inner end of the receiving-cone and the wall ofthe cone in which the same is located, substantially as set forth.

13. In a mineral-separator, the combination, with a circular chamberconsisting of two conical shells, of a water-chamber located adjacent toone of said shells, a screen forming the front wall of said water-ohamber, and dashers attached to the outer face ot'the screen,substantially as set forth.

14. In a mineral-separator, the combination, with a circular chamberconsisting of two conical shells, of a water-conduit consisting of apipe coiled into the form of a cone the base of which is placed adjacentto one of said shells, substantially as set forth.

15. In a mineral-separator, the combination, with a circular chamberconsisting of two conical shells, ot'a water-chamber located adjacent toone of said shells and a water-conduit consisting of a'pipe coiled intothe form of a cone,

plate, subthat end of the pipe which terminates at the base thereofbeing inserted in the water-chamber, substantially as set forth.

16. In a mineral-separator, the combination, with a circular chamberconsisting oftwo conical shells, of a conveyor consisting in aperforated plate coiled to form a conical structare, the base of whichis placed adjacent to one of said shells, and a water-conduit consistingof a pipe coiled to follow the path of the conveyer, substantially asset forth.

17. In a mineral-separator, the combination, with a circular chamber, ofa cage ofrods, a conveyer consisting of a coiled metallic platecentrally pierced to receive the said rods, and a water-conduitconsisting of a pipe coiled around the said cage of rods, substantiallyas set forth.

18. In a mineral-separator, the combination, with two truncated coneshaving their bases joined together, of a ledge located just within theend of the cone which constitutes the discharge end of the apparatus,and an ejector mounted in said ledge and having its lower edge cut away,substantially as shown and described. r

19. In a mineral-separator, the combination, with semicircular bearingsprovided with hori zontal arms, of brackets to receive the latter,secured to the frame-work in which the apparatus is mounted, a shaftjournaled in the outer ends of the said arms, and an eccentric andstrap, or the equivalent thereof, connecting said shaft and brackets,substantially as set forth.

In testimony whereof I have signed this specification in the presence oftwo subscribing witnesses.

JOHN H. VVILHELM.

